SC Jamir not to contest the Nagaland polls

Kohima: Veteran Congress leader S C Jamir will not contest the Nagaland Assembly elections and continue to play a `more effective role` during the entire poll campaign.

Jamir, a former state Chief Minister, said in a statement that he took the decision after AICC president Sonia Gandhi asked him not to contest the polls and a play more effective role in the party and the state.

"Hence, I will be more visible in the electioneering at all important places," he said.

Jamir said that he had served the state and the nation for over six decades and that as a disciplined Congressman he would abide by the decision of the Congress high command.

Jamir, is a member of the Naga People’s Convention that was instrumental in the creation of Nagaland in 1963.

He served as Chief Minister on four occasions -- 1980, 1982-1986, 1989-90 and 1993-2003.

His last assignment was as the Governor of Goa and Maharashtra from 2005 to 2010.